Hoggard out of luck

Matthew Hoggard was in the groove but out of luck with the new ball at Arundel today.

Hoggard, a key member of Michael Vaughan's attack earlier this year when England won 3-0 in the Caribbean, damaged his right knee while playing for Yorkshire 10 days ago. A scan showed no cartilage damage but the selectors will want further reassurance before naming him in their squad for next week's First Test against the West Indies.

The 27-year-old did his bit this morning. Playing for the MCC against the West Indies, he began with an impressively accurate seven over spell that cost only nine runs and included a dropped catch.

When Chris Gayle edged an attempted drive midway through the seamer's fifth over, a straightforward chance flew to second slip where it was promptly spilled by Hoggard's Test colleague, Graham Thorpe.

The MCC also had Simon Jones on duty. Like Hoggard, he was trying to prove his fitness, following a foot injury, in time for next week, but the Glamorgan paceman proved more expensive early on as the West Indies reached 55 without loss.